11th Penn. Cavalry Civil War Letter - “hanging that old Bushwhacker" on Raid

Description

This letter is undated, but was written in October 1863 by Lieutenant William N. Scott of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Scott opens with discussion of “our expedition into Mathews Co, Va and of our hanging of that old Bushwhacker.” He is referring to Wistar’s Raid, a combined Army-Navy operation meant to root out Confederates who had been raiding federal shipping on Chesapeake Bay. A prominent civilian, Sands Smith II, was hung from a persimmon tree, accused of killing one of the Pennsylvania cavalrymen with his shotgun. “It served him right,” Scott writes. “I say fix them all that way and they will soon quit Bushwhacking us.” The Rebel newspapers, he writes, say they “will hang Col. Spear if ever they catch him,” referring to Colonel Samuel P. Spear of the 11th. Confidently, Scott continues, “if ever they hang him our boys will hang a dozen for him,” adding, “his Regt sticks to him too well for them even to get him.”
Scott then turns his attention to other news, remarking about the results of the gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania and his support for Andrew G. Curtin:
Well how many bloody noses did you see on election day and night? I suppose it was a hot time. I would of liked to of been home to see the sport, but all the man that I was interested about was old A. G. Curtin. I think he is the man and the only one to suit the times. He is the soldier’s friend.
He then discusses rumors of a Rebel raid in Pennsylvania, and adds some praise for Colonel Spear:
I hear you expect another raid through that section, I hope it may be a failure. I wish they would take us up through your county. I think we could sicken the rebs a little on their raiding. Our boys would fight in Old Penn I tell you what, and the great part is we have a fighting old buck to lead us. He never says go all come boys follow me, and if I fall never stop to pick me up till you have won the fight. I think his Regt would follow him to hell if he said so.
The letter was written on three pages of a 4-page bifolium sheet measuring about 5 1/2” x 8 3/4”. A portion of the paper at the bottom of page 3, not affecting the text, was removed. Very good condition otherwise with light toning. Includes the original stamped cover pre-printed with “11th REGIMENT / PENN. CAVALRY / CO. D. / U. S. ARMY.” The full transcript follows:
Camp Getty Va
Friend J.C.
According to your request I will write to you. As for the stripes coming off it would make d—m little difference about them. Well I haven’t much to write about. I suppose long ere this you have heard of our expedition into Mathews Co, Va and of our hanging that old Bushwhacker. I tell you what the boys made him dance in the wind very silent. It served him right. I say fix them all that way and they will soon quit Bushwhacking us. I see in the Southern news where the Rebs say they will hang Col. Spear if ever they catch him. Well one thing I have to say to them, if ever they hang him our boys will hang a dozen for him. His Regt sticks to him too well for them even to get him. He is in Washington now on special business. I can’t say what for. They are giving large bounties now for reenlisting
but I can’t see it
. We have ten months yet to stay and I think that will do me for a while.
Well how are you getting along with your school? I hope you may have success with it and come out all right. If Bill Shivaley has come home give him my best wishes.
Well how many bloody noses did you see on election day and night? I suppose it was a hot time. I would of liked to of been home to see the sport, but all the man that I was interested about was old A. G. Curtain. I think he is the man and the only one to suit the times. He is the soldier’s friend. I hear you expect another raid through that section, I hope it may be a failure. I wish they would take us up through your county. I think we could sicken the rebs a little on their raiding. Our boys would fight in Old Penn I tell you what, and the great part is we have a fighting old buck to lead us. He never says go all come boys follow me, and if I fall never stop to pick me up till you have won the fight. I think his Regt would follow him to hell if he said so.
O, I had apple dumplings for dinner yesterday and they were good. I thought of the dumplings you and I eat at uncle’s. Well I must close. Please write soon and give me all the particulars in regards to the women. How is the sawmill and all the rest? Give my best wishes to Mat, your Mother, and all the rest whoever may inquire. Please excuse all. I remain as ever your friend till death.
W. N. Scott
Co. D. 11th Penn cavalry
Camp near Portsmouth
Va
To J. C. Brown
[Page 4, in another hand]
E. B. Tyler Brig. Genl.
Falling Spring
Fayetteville Female Seminary
Rev. G. B. Kennedy, Principal
E. E. B. Tyler, Brig. Genl.
Ironsides Charleston Harbor
Genl. U. S. Grant, Genl. Geo. F. Meade
Genl. Thomas
Army of the Potomac
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